154. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications received and approved under the vacant property refurbishment grant and the croí cónaithe fund nationally to date; the total funding allocated and drawn down; the average processing time for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17619/26]

Sentiment score: 0.23

My question is about the number of applications received for vacant property refurbishment grant and the croí cónaithe fund since the launch of the scheme, the number of applications approved to date, the total amount of funding allocated and drawn down under both schemes, and if the Minister of State will make a statement on it.

Sentiment score: 0.71

I recognise what the Minister of State and his Department are doing and that he is doing everything in his power to speed up housing delivery. The vacant property refurbishment grant and the croí cónaithe fund are important initiatives in that regard. Bringing vacant and derelict homes back into use in many respects should be the low-hanging fruit in tackling the housing crisis. These homes already exist within our communities and with the right support they can be turned back into homes relatively quickly. However, a number of applicants have contacted me to say the application and approval process can take quite a long time and there can be uncertainty around timelines for decisions and payments. For people trying to organise building works and financing, that uncertainty can create real difficulties. Will the Minister outline if the Department monitors processing times across local authorities and if there are differences between these areas? What steps are being taken to ensure local authorities have the resources and guidance necessary to process applications quickly so that these homes can be brought back into use without unnecessary delay?

Sentiment score: 0.12

While these schemes are very welcome, their success ultimately depends on local authorities fully buying into them and driving them on the ground. Does the Minister of State believe all local authorities are engaging with the scheme to the same extent? Are there areas where uptake or processing is slower than expected? If there are differences, what steps is the Department taking to ensure best practice is shared and that every council actively supports applicants so that we can maximise the number of vacant homes brought back into use?

Sentiment score: 0.52